BRCA1 Gene as a Potential Marker for Lung Cancer Therapy
Matvey M Tsyganov1,2, Irina A Tsydenova1, Daria S Dolgasheva1
1Department of Experimental Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, Russian Academy of Sciences, 5 Kooperativny Street, 634050 Tomsk, Russia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|July 28, 2026
Summary
BRCA1 gene mutations cause homologous recombination deficiency (HRD), increasing cancer risk. In lung cancer, BRCA1 status may predict chemotherapy response, but its role requires further research for personalized treatment.
Area of Science:
- Genetics and Genomics
- Cancer Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) threaten genomic stability.
- Homologous recombination (HR) is a key accurate DSB repair pathway.
- BRCA1 is crucial for HR, genomic stability, and tumor suppression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of BRCA1 in chemotherapy response and prognosis in lung cancer.
- To highlight BRCA1's potential as a biomarker for personalized lung cancer therapy.
- To identify challenges in utilizing BRCA1 for personalized lung cancer treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on BRCA1, HRD, and lung cancer treatment.
- Analysis of existing evidence on BRCA1's impact on chemotherapy sensitivity.
- Synthesis of current knowledge regarding BRCA1's role in lung cancer outcomes.
Main Results:
- BRCA1 dysfunction leads to HRD, genomic instability, and tumorigenesis.
- BRCA1 deficiency is uncommon in lung cancer but may indicate sensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy.
- The precise impact of BRCA1 on lung cancer treatment response and prognosis is not fully understood.
Conclusions:
- BRCA1 alterations are critical for developing personalized lung cancer treatment strategies.
- Identifying reliable biomarkers for chemotherapy sensitivity in lung tumors is essential.
- Further research is needed to understand BRCA1's distinct implications in lung cancer compared to other tumor types.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...
01:11Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
Combining two or more treatment methods increases the life span of cancer patients while reducing damage to vital organs or tissue from the overuse of a single treatment. Combination therapy also targets different cancer-inducing pathways, thus reducing the chances of developing resistance to treatment.
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
01:20The Retinoblastoma Gene
Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
01:33Cancer-Critical Genes I: Proto-oncogenes
Genes usually encode proteins necessary for the proper functioning of a healthy cell. Mutations can often cause changes to the gene expression pattern, thereby altering the phenotype.
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...